Trauma can manifest through various symptoms, categorized by the DSM-5 into avoidance, re-experiencing, hyperarousal, and negative mood and cognition. These symptoms may disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate emotion, thought, and memory, leading to a diminished sense of safety and connection to oneself and others. However, healing from trauma can lead to greater appreciation for life, deeper connections, and increased self-compassion.
At ERWC, trauma-focused therapy involves techniques such as talk therapy and structured approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is recognized by the National Center for PTSD as an effective treatment for PTSD and other distressing life experiences, offering therapeutic benefits in a shorter timeframe than traditional psychotherapy. Complementary modalities, including yoga, mindfulness, and expressive therapies, further enhance wellness and recovery.
Post-traumatic growth refers to the personal development many trauma survivors experience during their recovery. Research shows that 30-70% of individuals may undergo significant shifts in life philosophies, self-awareness, and gratitude following trauma. While support from family and friends is valuable, professional guidance is often essential for those experiencing lasting emotional pain or post-traumatic stress.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of trauma, we’re here to help. Please contact us today for support and begin the healing journey.
WHAT IS EMDR?
According to the EMDR Institute, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, we can help and invite you to contact us today.
For more information go to The EMDR Institute